Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Friday, August 20, 2010

Well this part of the journey is coming to an end and I know that this was so much a part of this and God orchestrated it to the very detail even the extended time I was here. Tara is flying out here in 14 days and we are going to ride back together through some of the most breath taking country you will ever see. We were going to go sight seeing which we will do but that is not the main purpose of this time together. As Tara stated we will be visiting existing community kitchens along the way and we are working a day at the one in Denver. We will get alot of time to talk about the plans and were we go from here. As she stated we have a location offered to us and we are very excited about that. As we have gone through this the vision has been evolving and has been getting deep in our hearts. I have been studying and realize that God talks more about helping the poor then almost anything else. Tara and I realize that this is Gods purpose and we cant wait to see it come to life. We know that the unknown is scary but we do know that we want to serve Him no matter what. We are just taking one day at a time and one step at a time it feels awesome when He is leading us not us trying to lead Him. I know some of you dont really understand this whole thing and I dont think I can do it justice to put my ideas down here. I would love to meet with any of you when I get back and share this with you. I can just say it is not a soup kitchen targeting the homeless. It is a restuarant that helps others learn skills to be used in life,Teach people to cook healthy and that you can do it on a limited budger find Hope, eat healthier, community out reach and putting feet to our faith and so much more. We invision Ransom bringing in teams to do home repair clean up and back yard bible clubs. I could go on and on but again we are taking one step at a time We need people that have a heart for these things and come along side us and see what God can do through us and in us. Please pray for our trip home that we will see what all God wants to do with us. Pray how God would have you be part of this the most important thing you can do is pray. Scripture is filled with gracious ways for relieving poverty and none of them involve the government. I dont usually get to political but I do think the church (which is you and I not a building) have sat back and turned a deaf ear to the crys of the oppressed the hunger and the fatherless for too long and have forced or allowed the government to do what Gods people should be doing and that is loving others more then ourselves. God tells us in his word that if we shut our ears and eyes to the oppressed, hunger, fatherless that He will shut His ears to us. I dont want Him to shut His ears to me what about You. It is time for us to not just sing about love and grace on Sunday but put feet to our love and show others that we do what we profess to believe. Others see christians as just those that point fingers and tell everyone what they are against. I want others to know what we are for. Open your ears the needs are all around us.

Thanks again for all your support and prayers continue to pray and ask God to keep us humble and walking in His will

Friday, August 13, 2010

As you all know Matt has had a lot of time to read and study while he is in Washington and he wants me to read everything he does. Well that's not going to happen, but I did start reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. This guy speaks my language! We both highly recommend this book! Matt and I have made a decision to live by faith. We want to get out of the boat and walk on water, no matter how crazy or impossible it seems to anyone else. We are sure of our calling and excited about the things God is doing in our lives. Finally, our preparation time is coming to an end! In 19 days, I am flying to Seattle to bring Matt home! Thanks to our wonderful friends and parents who have agreed to take care of the girls while I am gone! We are both really excited to have this time together just us! We are also very excited that we will be able to see about 5 different restaurants that are similar to our concept. We will actually be working at the SAME cafe in Denver, CO on Wednesday, September 8th! We also were very encouraged this week... we have a great location! We'll tell you more about that later. We are planning on being open for business sometime in October! It's amazing to see how God is putting things together and we are so humbled to be able to be a part of it. God is changing our hearts. This time last year if Matt had told me he was going to give up the kind of job he has now, making a comfortable living for us, I probably would have said, You must be CRAZY! But I know today, he'd be crazy not to. Please continue to pray for us all! The girls start school this week! And start praying about what part God wants you to have in this ministry. We love you all!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Things are going good. Got to go home this past weekend it was a much needed break before we start 6-7 12 hr days a week through the end of the project. The project is winding down and things are coming together nicely. I didn't tell Tara or the girls I was coming home so it was very exciting to see there reactions. I was able to be there to witness Abbey getting baptized she was so excited and had a smile from ear to ear. I know God has some great plans for her and I see a change in her and she so wants to please Him. I've been reading alot still and studying Gods word and learning to do things that please Him not others. I really feel God showing me Life is to short to just go through the motions and go about your day with business as usual I feel Him directing us towards a life of service to Him and those in need. My passion for those in need grows each day and I'm becoming more sure that the next step in this journey is to serve Him and His heart which all through His word is those in need. Tara and I are just seeking His will and are open to whatever He has for us. I really want to lead us down the path that most honors Him. We don't know all the details but we know He probably won't show us everything at once or we probably would be overwhelmed. We need you all to pray for a few things. If His will is Ransom Cafe to be started that a location will be verified we do have this location in mind but want to be sure it is part of the plan. Pray that We can raise the funding as well as the monthly support we will need but most of all prayer warriors to pray with us. Pray that we will know the sacrifices we will need to make and make sure this all will be for His glory not ours. Pray for details involved in launching this ministry and that He will raise up others that will catch His vision for this. Most important pray that we will not get ahead of Him and let Him work out the details. I also know that some people even those close to us won't understand this calling but we pray they will have an open mind and just trust that God will work out all the concerns We don't know all that will be required and we are scared at times but I guess that's why they call it faith. We know this Gods word is full of promises that we can stand on and we also know that if this is His will we have two choices ignore the call and go on as usual or say here we are use us however you see fit. I just can't help but believe saying no would be horrible. Some might call all this crazy but Tara and I feel it would be more crazy not to follow Gods leading we have seen what that does to many times Thank you to all for ur support our goal right now is to just finish this part of our journey strong! Keep praying and know Tara and I are seeking Him like never before so I know He will be faithful .

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Sorry I Havent posted in a while. Things are going good things at work are getting really busy. The project is winding down it it always gets crazy. We should be done by labor day I'm hoping to get home in august for Mary Paiges first day of school and also I hope to get the chance to baptize Abbey praise God for her decision to commit to Him. God has been teaching me alot about His spirit. I've read alot of books and have been able to study alot and seek His will for us after this. We need a that will to pray for our next step in this journey. God is up to something and we just want to do what his will is for us. I'm ready to do whatever He has for us and to lead our family down the path that is best for us. Thank you to all who have been lifting us up and I just ask u continue

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Sorry I have not written in some time it has been crazy busy here. I have been really just reading alot and trying to make sense of this all and have had some days of throwing a pity party. I did get to go home two weeks ago that was great Tara and i spent the night in New Orleans and it was good just to spend time together. We did have some tough times both of us when we are upset about a situation take it out on each other. It was really hard to know I didnt get to stay and I really wanted too. We did have fun with the girls and with friends. I was able to see the girls dance recital and they did so great and looked like little princesses. It just wasnt long enough. It looks like I will be here till sometime in August tara and I said I would probably not come back again until this job is over but I dont know if I can make it that long I would love for her to come out her for a weekend. We have talked about Tara trying to come out when the job is finished and drive back with me that would be awesome I would love for her to see this country. I have been reading alot of books I am now reading Crazy love and it is great I learned that we should not even call following God a sacrifice because He paid the sacrifice for us and it is a benifit to follow Him. Also following Him may look crazy to others but there is something wrong if our life doesnt look crazy to non believers. I know this I want to please Him but its so hard because I usually want to please myself first. Its all about loving Him with our whole heart. I would do anything for Tara even give my life and I would give up anything to make her happy and show my love. If my love for a person is so great why cant my love be more for the one who created that person I dont know but I am trying to figure it out and trying to learn how to love God more. Tara and I were able to talk alot about Ransom Cafe (Ransom Ministries) and what our next steps should be. We feel we are going to have to raise some funds to do this and also we are going to need to raise Monthly support(At first I had a problem with this but the more I read in the bible it is biblical to put the need out there and allow others to be part of it so I am getting over it) but most importantly we are going to have to raise up prayer warriors to pray through this and for us to make sure we follow Gods plan and what He wants us to do. Please pray with us that God will open doors that need to be opened, close the ones that dont and raise up people who want to be a part of this. We do feel that the calling God has given us is strong but at the same time we are scared and just want to know the whole picture. But sometimes Faith is doing what God wants even when we dont see the whole picture. I am learning that life is too short to just worry about ourselves but God calls us to love others more then ourselves and that is how I want to live and I want my children to live that way. I know I am a long way from that but I am pressing on. We do know that some of you will not understand this calling and I understand that I dont understand it most of the time but I will ask you to pray and seek before making any decisions to its crazyness. We love you all and respect your input and we know you want what is best for us but we also know God loves us and He wants what is best for us also. He created us so He must have some idea of what will make our lives happy and fullfilled. Loving HimMatt

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Well I have had a interesting weekend. Friday was my birthday and I had an alright time thanks to all you that facebooked me. I worked all day and then went out to eat it was nice. Then Saturday I got up early and headed to Yakima. Tara's Cousin Chris and his wife Mary are missionaries on an Indian Reservation called White swan. It was awesome to hang out with Chris and pick his brain about ministry and the ups and downs of stepping out in faith. We drove around and he should me some homes they had roofed and painted and cleaned up. He told me stories that just broke my heart and then we saw Steve walking down the road with three large bags. Chris said lets give him a ride to his house. We stopped and he jumped in the back of the truck Chris said he would be more comfortable in the back since he didnt know me well. We drove and drove and drove through dirt and gravel roads until we finally reached his home. WOW I said he was walking this far!!Steve said he had walked to town to do laundry. I thought to myself man he must of left very early this morning in order to get there. Chris said last summer they had dug him a new hole for his outhouse he doesnt have running water and he doesnt talk to other people much. We left him and he walked to his home. We then went back into town and then went back to the house. There Mary and the lady interns were prepping food for the coming week. They had 50 youth coming in for the week to do some work and do bible clubs. I helped them mostly I just watched in awe at the organization and the joy that Mary seemed to have for her work. I made them some bbq sauce and just kind of soaked it all in. We then played some volleyball and then I headed home. The whole ride home was a time for me to reflect on my experience. I could not get Steve out of my mind I listened to some cd's that Chris gave me. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt God wants his people to care for the poor and needy and I know that the calling on me is to do that. God himself set the example of this For us to follow He said what you do for the least of these you do for me. They are all around us at work, school, church , the store, our neighbor even family members I hope everyone has a great week I know I will heading home Thursday Serving HimMatt

Friday, May 28, 2010

Sorry I haven't wrote for some time work has been busy but good I think I'm doing a good job. God has been amazing in the way He is helping me understand what I need to do at work. I have been able to do a little sightseeing it's so beautiful up here. I've met some really nice people and the church I've been going to seems to really love Jesus. I'm going home next weekend and I am so excited I can't wait to see my beautiful wife and girls it should be fun and much needed. God has been teaching me alot and I have been trying to use the down time to read and try to learn all He has in store for us. I went to the library and two books almost jumped off the shelf at me. The first one is called The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkerson. It spoke right to me i went through it in a day. It talks about God has give us all a dream a desire to do something and the key to finding it is to get over our fear and just go after it. The key is understanding how your dream ties in with what God wants to do through you. Many times our plans fail because we do them for ourselves not for God. (been there done that) The second one is Passion for Jesus by Mike Bickle. It talks about falling in love with Jesus and how if we truly love Someone we will seve them no matter the cost. It talks about how most of us get bored with christianity because we don't truly Love God and understand His love for us. I know this if I could get to the point that I love god as much as my wife and understand His love for me is so far more then that it would be so easy to serve others with compassion and love. I'm so thankful for this time and I believe God want to and is going to do mighty things through Tara and I He is just trying to get us to see things through His eyes and that is up to us. Continue to pray for Gods direction and willServing HimMatt

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

It has been a interesting 7 days since I've been back from my visit home. Being home made me realize how important it is to listen and follow the plan God has for us and seek His will for us. This week I've just been spending time digging into the word and talking with God. It has been a special time I've seen were He is growing me and showing me how to lead and listen. I've been learning how to read the sciptures and ask Him to teach me what it is I need to learn. I know Tara and the girls are counting onme to follow God and lead the down the path He has for us no matter how it seems through our earthly eyes. I know there are many who are praying for us and for that I'm thankful. I see I don't only have to talk to Him but also listen. My goal needs to be a deeper relationship with by savior. I hope you all understand this and I know I ramble at times but it's all about the transformation and not the destination. In other words I need to transform into the man of God He intends me to be. I so miss Tara and the girls but I know through all this I will be a better husband and father to them. My heart aches to know more and more of who God is and my heart to be His heartthanks again for all your prayers.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

We had a great weekend and first part of the week. I was able to go home last Friday and stay until Tuesday evening. It was so nice to see Tara and the girls. We didnt tell the girls so when I walked up at the airport they just looked at me like is that really you and then jumped in my arms. That was the neatest thing!! We then spent some good days just hanging out with each other. Then Mothers day we went to Church at Jubilee and also West Mobile. We then went and had lunch at Oliver's All I can say is WOW the Shrimp and grits was awesome.Tara and I actually put the Shrimp sauce on our potatoes it was so good. We then went home and spent some time by the pool. Then Abbey learned to ride her bike without training wheels and Mary Paige with training wheels. (I think I have created a monster and now Tara has to deal with it) It was a really nice Weekend

Tara and I had a lot of time to talk about what we thought the reason for this journey and we came up with some pretty good ones. We know that it is for us to be better stewards of what God has given us. I know this God spoke to me and said until we could get more disciplined in the area of health, finances, service He could not use us like He wants too. I know that who much is given much is required. I just want to serve God and do His will. Tara and I really are trying to do Gods will and at times it is hard but we know it will be worth it. They are saying the job might go long but we are in it as long as God sees fit to keep me here. Please Pray for Strength

We both feel like The Ransom Cafe is becoming a passion of ours and as we were told unless something is a passion dont do it because when things get tough you will quit if its only a vision or a burden. Some of you might not know what The Ransom Cafe is so I have added the vision that God has given us to the bottom of this blog. We dont know the time or place or even the exact details As I am learning This walk of faith is a day by day thing we have to keep our eye on the Caller not the Calling!!

See the vision God has given us and pray for God's Will

Ransom Café Reaching A Need Serving Our MasterThe Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.Matthew 20:28

God has given us a vision of a place where people can come and find nourishment, physical and spiritual. Ransom Café will be a place where people will be able to have one of life’s basic necessities met.Ransom will operate with an ever changing menu. Our menu will depend on donations and foods that are able to be purchased at little to no cost. We will not have set prices on any of our menu items. We believe that some can pay more and some may not be able to pay at all, but the ones who can will pay for the ones who can’t. Jesus paid a debt for us that we could not pay ourselves when He gave his life on the cross for our sins. He paid our RANSOM and in order to be more like Him, we want to serve others. If someone can’t pay anything, they can volunteer 1 hour of labor and they will be given a voucher good for 1adult’s meal + 1 child’s meal. This is based on 2 Thessalonians 3:10. If a man will not work, he shall not eat. We do realize that there may be some special circumstances and we will work with every individual to try to meet their needs. We will offer frozen entrees for guests to take home for evening meals. Also, we would like to be able to send meals to those confined to their homes because of age or illness in the model of Meals on Wheels. It is our desire that Ransom Café will be able to give back to the community and not only provide a basic need, but also offer a mentoring program to help people learn valuable skills in the Hospitality industry, knowledge to help them with daily life and a sense of community. We hope to have a garden to grow our own vegetables which could also be used to teach individuals while providing them another volunteer opportunity. This will help in keeping our cost down and provide fresh healthy vegetables.Just as Jesus paid our Ransom, our motto will be those that can pay will pay for those who can’t. God has given us a passion for people and a culinary gift and we want to use it to help others!! Please pray Gods will in this vision as well as the resources to see this come to pass. Our Goal is to provide a service to meet the needs of all people and share the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

It's been a good week! Work has been good things are coming together and I'm learning what is expected of me in my position. We have a great crew and everyone works well together. I've joined the gym and been having a great time working out with some of the guys from work P90x is kicking my butt but I've seen some progress Monday I went to dinner at a families home I met at church it was a great night of just sharing and good food. I learned about the ministry Serve Moses Lake and it really is an awesome vision. I hope to be invoked while I'm here serving while I wait. Check out their web site at servemoseslake.com I've been learning so much in regards to His calling and how much more there is to learn. I've learned that my greatest temptation is to take shortcuts and get this all over instead of taking my time to learn what God wants to teach me. Never be in a hurry to move on from were u are even if it hurts. He will cause everything to come together in His plan. Tara and I have to keep our eyes on the caller, not the calling, because the calling is a moment by moment thing and He is leading us now. God didn't lead the Israelites staight into the promise land but He led them into the wilderness. It might seem He is leading us what seems like sideways or even backwards but Gods path is always perfect. These things I have learned through a book called "The Call" by David Nasser and Brent Crowe. I've also seen that there is a big difference between knowing Gods promises and believing Gods promises. I have been also thinking a lot about my other three girls and how much I love them and pray they know this. But I also believe God will restore my relationship with them and they will see eveything I've done is for them. I am also so excited about getting to come home this coming weekend. I can't wait to see my beautiful wife, Abbey and Mary Paige. I miss them and I'm looking for what God will do during this visit. Thanks again for all your prayers. Hopefully you all Blessed by our story and I hope I don't ramble too much I pray each of us leave a legacy for those that follow us. Matt

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Well have had a Good weekend. Went exploring in a town called Leavenworth it was a neat town slot of shops (Tara would of been in heaven). And lots of candy ( the girls would of been on overload) I walked around and then went up in the mountains and looked around saw some beautiful sights. I joined a health club because it was getting to hard to do p90x in the house the other guys probably wonder what I'm doing or the guys below might think I'm going to come through the floor. Yesterday God convicted me of wasting time it's so easy to just wish this was over and I could go home and missthe real purpose for this. I started praying for God to show me what I could do to volunteer and serve so I found this ministry online called serve Mose lake. It's a organization of local churches that help those in need with many different things. I read up on it and thought that could be something that I could do and it would also be good experience for the vision God has given Tara and I for a ministry. Well I went to church and was looking for a Sunday school class to go to and a man I met the other day suggested I go to a class so I met the leader and we talked and I shared with him somethings God was showing me and he said he was on the board of a ministry that might interest me. I probably don't have to tell you what ministry it was yes it was serve Moses lake (God is so good). I'm actually having dinner with him and the director tomorrow night. God continues to confirm Tara and I are right were we are suppose to be even if we don't know all the details. I've learned that God is not looking for people to work for Him but he wants people who will let Him work in and through them and also Gods work done Gods way will never lack Gods supply. I pray I can be that person.Thank you for all your prayers and encouragement. Like Tara said we don't know His plan but He does and that is what gives us peace. I know this it must be good!! Matt

Saturday, April 24, 2010

So today I went to a Mother's Day brunch at WMBC with my mom. Several friends asked about Matt and how things were going. We really appreciate all of the prayers, support, and encouragement. Don't remember who, may have been more than one person, asked when Matt would be home and my response was, "I don't know." While in some ways saying that seems scary, I'm not afraid. God showed my recently that when I am faced with a "who knows?!" situation that God knows. Again this morning at brunch the speaker referenced one of my favorite scripture verses. Jeremiah 29:11 For I KNOW the plans I have for you...to give you a hope and a future. Even though I don't know, I rest in the fact that He knows and He is working all things together for our good and His glory. ~Tara

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Have had a good week so far. It looks like we are goingto be off Friday. Which I don't like because that's just one more day I don't get paid. I was invited to a bible study Friday morning so I probably will go. I went to church last night and met some really nice people. I went to a small group called sportsmen it was cool about 5 guys having a bible study and prayer then talking about hunting and fishing (loved that). Good week and hoping I can start the garden this weekend and also do some exploring. Pray that Tara can come out soon we are hoping in the next few weeks. I miss her a bunchMatt

Monday, April 19, 2010

Well had a good weekend. It was very quit really too quit. I worked in the yard with the owner of the house hauling leaves an limbs and helped him plan out a garden. I then went to church and it was really good the message was titled "But God.... That's not what I had in mind". It was about doing things you know God wants u to do even when you don't want to. The preacher said faith is doing what God wants even when it's not what I want. Go figure I am right in the middle of that. Tara and I are really learning to value each other and our family. We are learning that the journey is not about the destination, it's about the transformation. We are usually so concerned with the end result that we fail to realize what God wants to do each and every day to transform our hearts. The place I'm staying is nice and the owners are commuted to making this a home away from home. Today was hard because I wanted to be home to celebrate Mary Paiges birthday thanks to technology I was able to watch her open her presents and sing happy birthday. She looked so beautiful and Tara made her birthday special just like she always does. Keep praying I'm hoping to come home for the girls dance recital the first weekend in June and I hope Tara can come out one weekend we just want to do Gods will. I miss everyone very much. The job is good I'm settling in and learning everything I need to do the job right. Thanks to everyone for ur prayers a continued supportMatt

Saturday, April 17, 2010

So glad week 2 is almost over! This week my air conditioner has not been working, we've had our turn with the stomach virus, and now my washing machine is acting up! I really missed Matt this week!! Even though he's thousands of miles away, he is still taking care of things for me. I tend to get overwhelmed and I'm a major procrastinator! Through all of the exciting events of week 2, God really encouraged us and showed us this week that He loves us and when we are weak,He is strong! A couple of months ago, I started a Beth Moore study on Esther. I got about half way through it when Matt and I started a study together- "If You Want to Walk On Water, You've Got to get Out Of the Boat!" (In case you don't know that's what W.O.W. stands for - Walking On Water.)We didn't realize God was going to call us out of our boat so soon! Anyway I felt this week like I needed to finish my Beth Moore study. I had tried to read some in my Bible and even some things Matt gave me to read but I wasn't hearing it. So I decided to review the first few weeks. As I was flipping through the pages I saw where I had underlined, "I believe one of God's purposes in this journey is to help us recapture both our identity and identification as His children- not so we can be obnoxious but so we can be influential." Slapped me right in the face. I felt like God Himself was speaking that to me. In an attempt to not be the judgmental Pharisees, sometimes we become the luke warm that makes God want to vomit. We turn into hidden Christians. We are so much like the world that we are almost indistinguishable from it. I shared with Matt and he asked me to share with you, our first insight at God's purpose for our journey. Please keep praying for us! While I'm glad to see week 2 be over, I have mixed emotions about week 3. Monday is Mary Paige's 5th Birthday.~Tara

Friday, April 16, 2010

Hey everyone it's been a long week. Work is going good learning the INS and outs of the plant and all the work that is ahead of me. It is challenging but very rewarding. I moved into the boarding house it's nice and feels more like a home then the hotel. The house is located in the country about a mile from the plant. All the other guys left Thursday to go home so I have the whole house to myself. I went to a church with a guy from work wednesday there were only 4 people there but it was an awesome prayer time and the message was great it was on Solomon and how God wants to bless us but many times we choose our own way and miss those blessings. I know God has a plan for each of us but it's up to us to be obiediant and receive the blessing. Gods plan is perfect but our choices make it seem like it isn't. I pray each of us will listen to the spirit and follow it wherever it leads I have missed Tara and the girls and struggle at times but I then turn to His word and it gives me strength Thank you for all the prayers it has been very humbling I hope each of you have a great weekend and I will check in later Serving HimMatt

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Well I haven't wrote in a couple days I've been trying to find a more perminant residence. Well work has been good but very challenging I have never seen so much paperwork and meetings but it is all good. I have been getting to spend good time with the lord and learning some great things about God centered leadership,friendship and service I'll share more about that later. I also started P90x and that has been kicking my butt I couldn't hardly brush my teeth because my arms hurt so bad. I'm also finally getting over a sore throat Ive had for about 10 days Well Tara and I have had some great talks on the phone God has shown her somethings that have really helped me to understand somethings. She is such an awesome Godly wife to me I'll let her share those things if she likes herself. The girls are doing good Abbey seems to be enjoying the YMCA fir spring break and Mary Paige can't wait to start big girl school.Well I mentioned that I was looking for a more permanent place to stay then this hotel. Well it looks like I found a room at a local boarding house about 1 mile from the plant. There are 7 or 8 other guys that share a house you get your own room with tv and cable the owner cleans once a week and buys pizza for everyone on Tuesday. It is about half The cost I'm paying now. The room I will be in has it's own bath. It was also a blessing because $ was running low and she will wait till I get paid to be paid. I also feel this is God putting me here for some reason only He knows. The owners have scriptures up in the house and and she said she does this to serve others and give them a safe place to live she has rules and if u don't follow them ur out. Please pray Gods will in everthing we do or say.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Well I woke up and didn't really know were I was going to go to church. I got in the truck and drove He led me to a church called grace harvest church. The people there were friendly and the praise and worship was good and very contemporary A young couple gave their lives to Christ it was very inspiring and they were very humble I learned that obeying God is an act of love. After the service was over I felt God had something else for me so I drove around and I felt God lead me to another church that was meeting in a middle school the church was called Lake Valley Baptist. I met some really nice people who I could tell loved the Lord. The praise and worship was the exact opposite they sang from song books it was traditional and very real. The pastor had a very humble heart and the message he brought was very good. It spoke to me it was on exhorting those around you and to do the ministry God has given you He said exhorting is calling or pulling others close to you. I needed that. Also two young people gave their lives to Christ praise God. I then had a good time studying Him word and just spending time with Him. I realize this is the only way I'm going to get through this time away. I miss Tara and the girls so much if I didn't have The Lord I would not make it. I went back to Lake Valley tonight and the message was right on target. It was on 1 Tim 4: 1-16. Godliness is profitable for all things Dont neglect the gifts God has given you because of situations or any thing else. I know at times I neglect the gifts because I feel sorry for myself or things don't go my way. There are people all around us that that are deflated by the things in their lives our job as Christians is to let our lives help them inflate we do this by being real and walking in Gods spirit. I hope I haven't rambled to much I ask you continue to pray for Tara and I that we can focus on the good and not what we don't have. This is much harder then either of us could of imagined and the only way to learn what we need to learn is to stay focused on Gods plan. This week let your life inflate someones balloon that is deflatedthanks Matt

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Well this was the first weekend here i did laundry walked around town and checked things out. I went to a Mexican bakery and picked out some good pastries. Then I went back to the room and it was only 11:00am. What to do now well I started feeling sorry for myself and decided to take a nap then a guy I met staying in the hotel knocked on my door and asked if I wanted yto go get something to eat and I said no thanks (missed opportunity) After my nap God started to convict me of wasting my time here. He showed me our attitude is the single most important decision we make each day and I had chose to complain. He also showed me I needed to capture the moments of today with a mission and intentionality. I had a great evening spending time with Him and studying His word. I then talked with Tara for about an hour that was awesome she is such an awesome wife and friend. I'm looking forward to church in tha am I don't know were I'm going yet but God will lead me were I need to go. Please continue to pray for us and Gods will also I'm trying to find a better place to stay if possible. I also would like u to pray for our military I can't imagine being away for that long. Thanks Matt

Friday, April 9, 2010

Mary Paige told her teacher and friends at school that they "won't even believe it" but her Daddy has gone to stay in a hotel in Washington for 9 days! I told her teachers that actually it's 90 days. At almost 5 years old she doesn't really understand why Daddy has gone away. And I must confess, at 32 years old there are moments when it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me either. Abbey, however, continues to be our little spiritual rock. She has told her teacher and friends what an awesome Daddy she has to do this for us and how proud of him she is. I wish you could have heard the prayer she said for Matt last Sunday night as he was getting ready to leave. At 8 years old she can see and recognize the power of God in her Daddy's life and in our family. Even though we don't really know WHY God wants Matt to spend this 90 days in the desert, we are certain that he is suppose to be there. I just wish we could be there too. It is hard to be here and try to continue in our normal routines without him. We miss him so much! Yet we know that God has big plans for Matt and for our family and I know that it will eventually all make perfect sense. God gave us both this scripture today from Hosea 1:5 Look at the nations and watch and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. Thank you for your prayers!~Tara

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Well after 40 hrs of driving I made it to Moses lake I only thought Kansas was flat. I got here at 8:30 am and was out at the plant working at 9:00 am. I met the crew and the supervisors. We had a wind storm which caused a major dust storm that was interesting. The job is a little overwhelming but I know God will give me wisdom and knowledge. I had a good talk with the constuction manager about walking in the spirit And not in the flesh And what the scripture says about that and what was cool is he brought it up he is a strong Christian and that is encouraging. I checked into the hotel and let's just say it is not the Marriot but it's not a cardboard box either so I'm blessed. I really miss Tara and the girls so much it hurts I asked God why did He call me here and I felt in my spirit He said just wait and be patient. So my faith is in Him I'm just expecting to learn in due time the purpose of all this I know in my heart I'm here for a purpose and I'm trying to remain sensitive to His leadership. Gods grace is sufficient for any challenge we face. I'm so thankful for an awesome wife who is willing to sacrifice to please God and friends and family who will pray that His will be done. Well off to bed I'm sorry for my rambling and bad punctuation. I'm writing this on my phone May God bless all that read this and know I'm praying for you

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Well Im in Missoula Montana 300 miles from Moses Lake. I had a great visit with mom and dad in Kansas saw a few people. I drove to Denveryesterday through rain, sleet, snow and wind I then spent some good time with my sister, bro inlaw, niece, and nephew it was really nice seeing them. Woke up to snow and started towards Wyoming the roads were slick up to about Larimie and then it cleared. Eveything was covered in snow it was beautiful and as I drove I wondered how anyone could not believe in God. This trip has been so good to just spend time with God talk with Him and mainly just listen to Him, praise Him and listen to His word. I have enjoyed it but I sure wish Tara was with me she would love this country. We know though we are were God wants us so that helps. Thanks to everyone for your prayers for Tara and I

Monday, April 5, 2010

Well started the day at 2am and I really was wishing God would say just joking. Well He didn't so I headed out Tara and the girls were asleep and I was glad because I cried like a baby and I'm suppose to be strong lol I started out feeling sorry for myself and wining to God asking why me and it's not fair kinda of like my kids do when they don't want to do something but Chuck met me and reminded me why we were doing this thanks Chuck for your obedience So I left Daphne and was driving along and remembered Pauls message on speeding and how 1 mile over is still breaking the law thus sin so o started another debate with God and u can guess who won thank God for cruise control. To be honest it was very enjoyable people were usually way out in front or way behind so I was always by myself. I had some great worship in the car just me and the Lord it was nice even though some of the people passing me probably thought I was crazy I listened to about 15 sermons on the radio or cd look out when I get back I have some good things to teach on. Went through 6 states and ended the day with a beautiful Kansas sunset and spending time with my parents looking forward to what tomorrow will bring I really miss my best friend and my two biggest fans. But I know this is were God has us right now and we are here to serve Him. Thank you all for your prayers it means so much to us. Keep walking on water

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Well neither Tara or I have ever blogged before but we thought we would give it a try. If everyone doesnt know we are preparing for a time in our life that is very uncomfortable but comfortable at the same time. I will be leaving 4/5 Monday for 12 weeks to Moses Lake Washington. We feel this is all part of Gods Plan for something much bigger in our lives and we are just following His leading. I will be going to my parents house in Kansas on Monday and hopefully get to watch the national championship with my Dad. I will keep you posted on our progress and all the things that God is doing in our lives. We really feel this is God leading us and we just want to please Him even if it is hard we know the sacrifice will be well worth it. Please pray for my awesome wife and children and also for me to continue to focus on what God wants for us and to let us always see His plan before our own.